Iloilo city: A road safety initiative of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) has rescued 1,312 minors in Western Visayas since it was launched in July, a police official said Monday.
According to Philippines News Agency, PRO-6 regional director Brig. Gen. Randulf Tua±o stated that the initiative, dubbed Oplan Sagip Bata, was launched following a high incidence of vehicular incidents involving minors observed during a Regional Peace and Order Council meeting. Tua±o emphasized the importance of the initiative by saying, 'More than the data, more than the figures, we are looking into how many children were saved in this activity,' during a press conference at the PRO-6 headquarters in Iloilo City.
Police units across the region have conducted 1,096 weekend operations since the initiative began. Approximately 70 percent of those apprehended or found violating regulations were issued warnings, according to Tua±o. The campaign adopts a preventive and proactive approach to protecting minors, aligning with the Safer Cities Initiative of Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla and Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.
Oplan Sagip Bata concentrates on road safety, compliance with local ordinances, and early intervention in situations potentially compromising the safety and welfare of minors. Tua±o noted that motorcycles, often used by students for their affordability, pose a significant concern as minors are not permitted to operate them.
Police operations are strategically conducted along major thoroughfares, with units working in coordination with barangay officials to ensure proper implementation. The campaign is legally grounded in city and municipal ordinances. Recorded violations include reckless imprudence resulting in injury and breaches of curfew ordinances for minors.
Tua±o mentioned that police regional offices in other parts of the country have started coordinating with PRO-6 to learn from this initiative, highlighting that the concern for minors' safety extends beyond Western Visayas.
